Reproducing apparatus



March 24, 1936. T. .L sMULsKl REPRODUCING APPARATUS Filed Sept. lO, 19342 Sheets-Sheet l NMQD OUMWXM@ Marh24, 1936. T JSMULSK, 2,055,099

REPRODUCING APPARATUS Patented Mar. 24, 1936 PATENT OFFICE REPRODUCINGAPPARATUS Theodore J. Smulski, Gary, Ind.

Application September '10, 1934, Serial No. 743,378

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a reproducing apparatus and has specialreference to a construction of the pantographic type for reproducingpatterns of a template on a desired surface in an enlarged or reducedstate or in some translated form thereof.

More particularly this invention relates to reproducing apparatuscomprising a base slidable over a surface having a pattern-carryingtemplate mounted thereon and a pantograph including a fixed bearing onthe base and linkage mechanism supported thereby and extendingtherefrom, the linkage mechanism carrying a tracing point for movingover the pattern-carrying template and another tracing point controlledby the first mentioned tracing point for making a copy of the pattern onthe surface over which the base slides.

The present invention contemplates the pro- Vision of a reproducingapparatus in which all of the elements necessary for completing thereproduction of the pattern are contained in a single unit or aremounted in a unitary manner on a single base. The base is slidabl'e overa surface and is preferably hel-d in a given plane by a straight edgeagainst which an edge of the base may rest, the pantographic mechanismmounted on the base marking a copy of the pattern on the surface from atemplate likewise mounted on the base. It is usual, insofar as applicantis aware, to provide templates which are separate and apart from thepantographic mechanism and which, besides being relatively cumersome andawkward to manipulate, are more costly than that constructioncontemplated by the present invention.

The present construction is compact in form and simple to operate and iscapable of reproducing any pattern in an extended or condensed conditionor inclined in either direction with but simple adjustments of thepantographic mechanism.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a reproducingapparatus of the character indicated above which is simple in operationand construction, is comparatively inexpensive to manufacture and isdurable.

Another object of this invention is to provide a'reproducing apparatusof the type above noted vin'which all of the elements entering into theconstruction for the complete reproduction of a desired pattern form aunitary device.

A further object of this invention is to provide a reproducing apparatusas hereinbefore pointed out whereby the reproduction may be extended orcondensed or may be inclined or reproduced in some translated form.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter be more particularlypointed out, and for a more complete understanding of the characteristicfeatures of this invention reference may now be had to the followingdescription when read together with the `accompanying drawings, in whichlatter- Figure l is a plan View of an apparatus'embodying the featuresof this invention;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 with the template and a tracing pointthereof removed;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a central, vertical sectional view taken on the line 4-4 ofFig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view similar to Fig. 2 showing an initialposition of the elements in full lines and a changed position thereof indotted lines;

Fig. 6 isa view similar to Fig. 5 with the elements thereof changed toextend the reproduction and to incline the same in a different directionfrom that shown in Fig. 5, the elements being shown in an initialposition in full lines and in a changed position in dotted lines; and

Fig. 7 is a view illustrative of the character of some of thereproductions possible from the apparatus embodying the features of thisinvention.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the device of thisinvention is shown as being embodied in a base I0 preferably formed ofsheet metal of channel cross section when viewed from one end thereof,the legs Illa and I0b of the channel member providing bearing surfaceson which the plate rides in its movement over the surface upon which thepattern is to be reproduced. The base is indicated as being made ofsheet metal, although of course it is to be understood that anysubstantially rigid material may be so employed consistent with thepurposes for which it is intended.

The base is provided with a template Il, for carrying the pattern which,in the present instance, is shown as the letters of the alphabettogether with the necessary numerals disposed in contiguous zones. Thecharacters of the template are preferably cut into the face thereof, andthe grooves thus formed are of sufiicient width to permit a stylus orother like instrument to slidably engage therewith. It is, of course, tobe understood that various patterns may be cut into the pattern-carryingtemplate Il and that this invention is not to be connedfto its use inreproducing the characters specifically shown. 'I'he template II is heldin a fixed relation to the face and is spaced therefrom, the plate beingheld in such spaced relation by the vertically extending posts I2. It isdesirable to have the template I I removable so that it may be replacedby a template carrying a different pattern.

A tracing point I3 is slidably mounted over the face of the template,the tracing point carrying a plurality of apertures I4 for registrationwith the grooves of the pattern to be reproduced. In the presentinstance there is one aperture for each of the numerals or letters to bereproduced, each of the apertures having suicient movement to be capableof outlining its respective character or zone. The tracing point ispreferably formed of sheet metal and is cut out in such a manner as todisclose therethrough the characters of pattern for reproduction,although, of course, it is to be understood that the same function maybe performed by various types of tracing points which in some cases mayneed be no more than a single pin.

An arm I5 is mounted on the base for slidable movement sidewise thereof,the arm having an enlarged head portion I6 and a reduced shank portionI'I. Opposite sides of the enlarged head portion are preferably guidedin a sidewise direction by guide rollers I8, which in the presentinstance are rotatably mounted on the upright posts I2, the guiderollers preferably having circumferential grooves in which the sides ofthe enlarged head portion ride in a spaced relation from the base.

The enlarged head portion I6 is provided with a shouldered recess I9 forreceiving a circular disc 20, the circular disc having a finger-piece 2|extending from a circumferential portion radially of the disc forpurposes of manual adjustment. The disc 20 is preferably removably heldin position on the shoulder of the recess I9 by a cover plate 22 whichis secured to the top of the slidable arm I5 by screws or other similarmeans, the securing plate 22 being preferably of spring material topermit a rotatable movement of the disc 20 against the tension of thespring plate 22.

The circular disc 20 is provided with an elongated slot 23 extendingthrough the disc radially thereof. The position of the radiallyextending slot 23 concerns the inclination of the reproduction and willbe explained in greater detail hereinafter. In order to predetermine theinclination of the reproduction it is preferable to employ a graduationabout the periphery of the shouldered recess so that the disc 20 may beset prior to the completion of the reproduction. 'Ihe slot 23 in thepresent instance is shown as being straight although the location andcharacter of slot may be changed in accordance with the character oftranslation desired. An arcuate, tortuous or other slot may give a novelappearance to the reproduction of any pattern so that the present disc2D may be replaced by another disc having a preferred form of slot.

The shank end I I of the movable arm I5 is pivotally connected to an arm24, the latter arm being pivotally connected at one end thereof to apost 25 xedly mounted on the base III. The arm 24 is one of a pair ofcooperating arms extending in a substantially forwardly and rearwardlydirection, the other arm of which is indicated by the numeral 26. Oneend of the arm 26 is pivotally connected to the base by a rivet 2'I orother securing means in a fixed position on the base, and the inner freeends of the arms 24 and 26 are slidably connected by means of aconnector 28 having movement along the arm 24 to any fixed adjustedposition thereon by the thumb nut 29. The connector 28 is provided witha roller 30 pivoted to an ear extending therefrom, which roller engagesa track formed by the arm 26 of channel cross section. Movement of theconnector 28 in either direction will lengthen or shorten the pivotalmovement of the cooperating arms 24 and 26 to determine the amount ofsidewise movement of the arm I5, as will hereinafter be more fullypointed out.

The free end of the arm 26 is pivotally connected to the end of an arm3| which extends sidewise of the base, the other end of the arm 3| beingpivotally connected to an arm 32 extending substantially parallel withthe arm 26 and being preferably of the same length. The arm 32 ispivoted at its other end to the base I0 by a rivet 33 or other securingmeans. The arm 3I is provided preferably with an integrally formed armportion 34 extending in a forwardly and rearwardly direction upon theend of which is pivoted an arm 35 extending in a direction across theWidth of the apparatus. An arm 36 cooperating with arm 35 is pivoted onthe arm 3I and extends in the same direction and preferably parallelwith the arm 35, the pivotal points for the arms lying in the same planeand having threaded pins 37 at the opposite free ends for pivotalconnection with the tracing point I3. The plate forming the tracingpoint I3 is provided with extensions on each side thereof for receivingthe pins 3?, and the plate is suitably held in position by the threadedcaps 38. The arms 35 and 36 are tied together for equal and simultaneousmovement by means of an arm 39 extending to be pivotally connectedadjacent the outer free ends thereof, the arms therefore being capableof universal movement in a single plane since they are pivotally mountedto move forwardly and rearwardly on an arm which is slidable in asidewise direction.

A pair of horizontally extending cooperating arms 40 and 4I are disposedon the base, one end of the arm 4I being pivotally connected to the post25, which latter is fixed to the base, and the other free end beingpivotally connected to an arm 42 extending in a forwardly and rearwardlydirection. The arm 40, in turn, is pivotally connected at its outer endto the base II] by means of the rivet 43, or an equivalent securingmeans, an inner portion of the arm 40 together with an inner portion ofthe arm 4I being slidably and adjustably connected together through aconnector 44. The other end of arm 46 is pivotally connected to one endo-f a link 39a, the other end of link 35a being adjustably connected toarm 39 at a predetermined position thereof. 'Ihe connector 44 ispreferably slidable on the arm 4I and may be fixed in any predeterminedposition thereon by means of the nut 45, the connector 44 having an earextending therefrom upon which a roller 46 is `disposed for engaging atrack or guideway formed by the channel cross section of the arm 46. Anadjustment of the connector 44 will operate to determine the size of thereproduction as to the height thereof, a movement in one directioncondensing or reducing the height of the reproduction and a movement inthe other direction extending or enlarging the reproduction.

One end of the arm 42 is pivotally connected to the free end of the arm4I, as hereinabove stated, the other end of the arm 42 carrying areproducing point 41 for making the copy of the pattern on the surface.This tracing point may be of any ydesired character, either a coloredlead or a container for ink or other marking fluid. Intermediate theends of the arm 42 is positioned a pin 48 for engaging the slot 23 andextending therethrough to project beyond the bottom thereof.

The pin 48 depends from the arm through the slot 23 for engagement withthe upper surface of a presser bar 49, the latter bar being fixed atoneV end andvbeing preferably formed of spring material normally bowedto extend in a spacedapart relation from the base at an intermediateportion engaged by the pin 48. However, in operating the reproducingapparatus to permit the reproducing point 4i toengage the surface, thepresser bar is moved downwardly in a direction towardithe basepreferably by the finger striking the presser bar at the end designatedby the numeral 50, the pin 48 normally being held upwardly with thereproducing point 4i out of engagement with the surface before pressureis applied to the presser bar.

In the operation of the reproducing apparatus, the character or patternto be reproduced is selected and the stylus or other operatinginstrument is inserted into the aperture corresponding to suchcharacter, the stylus passing through the aperture into the groovedefining the Vcharacter and being guided thereby. The movement of thetracing point operates the cooperating arms 4Q and 4| during a movementthereof in a forward and rearward direction and operates the cooperatingarms 24 and 2S during movement thereof in a sidewise direction. The arm42 carrying the second tracing point is, in turn, operated by theforwardly, rearwardly and sidewise movements just recited to guide themovement of the tracing point over the surface receiving thereproduction.

The reproduction may be either extended or condensed or may be inclinedas desired by reason of the adjustments hereinbefore noted. For example,a movement of the connector 23 in one direction may reduce the width ofthe character to be reproduced to an extent such that it may besubstantially smaller than the character of the template, or if theccnnectorjZS be moved in an opposite direction the reproduction may begreater in width substantially than the character of the template.Likewise should the connector 44 be moved in one direction thereproduction Vmay be considerably less in height than that of theoriginal character of the template, or if the template be moved in theopposite direction the height of the character may be considerablygreater than the character of the template. The range of reproductionmay be substantially from a point to any desired heightand widthconsistent with convenience in use. Also by means of rotating the disc20, the diametrically disposed slot 23 may translate the movement of thepantographic mechanism so that the characters or reproduction as a wholeare inclined or otherwise formed with respect to the original of thetemplate. The forms of reproduction are illustrated in Fig. 7, and theadjustment as to the height and width of the reproduction is illustratedin the diagrammatic showings in Figs. 5 and 6.

While but a single embodiment of this invention is herein shown andydescribed it is to be understood that vario-us forms thereof may beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing-'from the spiritand scope of this invention, and therefore the claims hereof are tobelimited solely by the prior art and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, atemplate having a plurality of individual patterns thereon and mountedon said base, a pantograph including a fixed bearing on said base,linkage mechanism supported thereby and extending therefrom carrying atracing member for moving over said template, said tracing member havingseparate means for cooperation with each of said individual patterns,and a reproducing point controlled by said tracing member for making acopy of a selected pattern on said surface.

2. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, atemplate having a plurality of individual patterns thereon and mountedon said base, and a pantograph including a fixed bearing o-n said base,adjustably connected arms extending therefrom for predetermining thesize of the reproduction, a tracing member carried by one of said armsforl moving over said template, said tracing member having separatemeans for cooperation with each of said individual patterns, and areproducing point carried by another of said arms and controlled by saidtracing member for making a copy of said pat-" tern on said surface.

3. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, atemplate having a plurality of individual patterns thereon and mountedon said base, and a pantograph including a f fixed bearing on said base,:adjustably connected arms extending therefrom for predetermining thesize of the reproduction, a tracing member carried by one of said armsfor moving over said template, said tracing member having separate meansfor cooperation with each of said individual patterns, a reproducingmember carried by another of said arms and controlled by said tracingpoint for making a copy of said pattern on said surface, and adjustablemeans fo-r connection with one of said arms for controlling theangularity of the reproduction.

4. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, atemplate comprising a plate having a plurality of' individual depressedportions forming characters, said template being mcuntec-` on said base,and a pantograph including a fixed bearing on said base and linkagemechanism supported thereby and extending therefrom carrying a tracingmember, said trac- .f

ing member comprising a plate having an aperture for alignment with theindividual depressed portion of each of said characters and areproducing point controlled thereby for making a copy of said characteron said surface.

5. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, atemplate having a plurality of individual patterns thereon and'mountedon said base, a tracing member for free mov'ement over said template,said tracing member havin;r separate means for cooperation with each ofsaid individual patterns, an arm mounted for slidable movement sidewisecf said base, a pair of cooperating arms extending in a forwardly andrearwardly direction having their outer ends pivotally connected to saidbase and their inner portions connected together and to said movable armfor predetermining the width of the reproduction, a pair of cooperatingarms extending sidewise of said b-ase having their outer ends pivotallyconnected to said base and their inner portions connected together forpredetermining the height of the reproduction, a reproducing point formaking a copy of said pattern on said surface, and a substantiallyforwardly and rearwardly extending arm carrying said reproducing pointand being slidably connected to said cooperating arms having sidewisemovement and pivotally connected to said arms having forward andrearward movement, said tracing member operating all of said arms inaccordance with the selected pattern to be reproduced.

6. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, atemplate having a plurality of individual patterns thereon and mountedon said base, a tracing member for free movement over said template,said tracing member having separate means for cooperation with each ofsaid individual patterns, an arm mounted for slidable movement sidewiseof said base, a pair of cooperating arms having forward and rearwardmovement and having their outer ends pivotally connected to said baseand their inner portions adjustably connected together and to saidhorizontally movable arm for predetermining the width of thereproduction, a pair of cooperating arms having sidewise movement andhaving their outer ends pivotally connected to said base and their innerportions adjustably connected t0- gether for predeteiinining the heightof the reproduction, a reproducing point for making a copy of saidpattern on said surface, and an arm having forward and rearward movementfor carrying said reproducing point and being connected to saidcooperating arms having sidewise movement and to said arms havingforward and rearward movement, said tracing member operating all of saidarms in accordance with the pattern to be reproduced.

7. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, atemplate having a plurality of individual patterns thereon and mountedon said base, a tracing member for free movement over said template,said tracing member having separate means for cooperation with each ofsaidindividual patterns, an arm mounted for slidable movement sidewiseof said base, linkage mechanism connecting said tracing member and saidmovable arm, a reproducing point for making a copy of said pattern onsaid surface, an arm carrying said tracing member, and linkage mechanismconnecting said tracing member and said reproducing point fortranslating forward and rearward movement of said tracing member to saidreproducing point, said movable arm having sidewise movement beingconnected to said second tracing member arm for the sidewise movementthereof.

8. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, -atemplate having a plurality of individual patterns thereon and mountedon said base, a tracing member for free movement over said template,said tracing member having separate means for cooperation with each ofsaid individual patterns, an arm mounted for slidable movement sidewiseof saidbase, linkage mechanism adjustably connecting said tracing memberand said sidewise movable arm, a reproducing point for making a copy ofsaid pattern on said surface, an arm carrying said tracing member, andlinkage mechanism adjustably connecting said tracing member and saidreproducing point for translating the forward and rearward movement ofsaid tracing member to said reproducing point, said movable arm havingsidewise movement being connected to said tracing member arm for thesidewise movement thereof. 9. A reproducing apparatus comprising a baseslidable over a surface, a pattern-carrying template mounted on saidbase, a tracing member for free movement over said template, an armmounted for slidable movement sidewise of said base, a slotted discrotatably mounted in said arm, linkage mechanism connecting said tracingmember and said movable arm, a reproducing point for making a copy ofsaid pattern on said surface, an arm carrying said reproducing point,linkage mechanism connecting said tracing member and said reproducingpoint for translating the vertical movement of said tracing member tosaid reproducing point, and a pin extending from said tracing member armfor engagement with the slot of said disc for the horizontal movement ofsaid latter arm and for predetermining the angularity of thereproduction.

10. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, apattern-carrying template mounted on said base, a tracing member forfree movement over said template, an arm connected to said tracingmember for movement in one direction across said base, an adjustableplate on said arm having an elongated slot across the surface thereof, areproducing point for making a copy of said pattern on said surface, anarm crossing said first mentioned arm and carrying said reproducingpoint on the free end thereof, the other end of said second mentionedarm being connected to said tracing member for receiving a forward andrearward movement therefrom, and a pin on said second mentioned arm forslidable engagement with said slot for transmitting sidewise movement tosaid arm.

11. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base slidable over a surface, apattern-carrying template mounted on said base, a tracing member forfree movement over said template, an arm connected to said tracingmember for movement in one direction across said base, an adjustableplate on said arm having an elongated slot therethrough, a reproducingpoint for making a copy of said pattern on said surface, an arm crossingsaid first mentioned arm and carrying said reproducing point on the freeend thereof, the other end of said second mentioned arm being connectedto said tracing member for receiving a forward and rearward movementtherefrom, a pin on said second mentioned arm extending through andslidably engaging said slot, and a presser bar upon which said pinrests, said presser bar being depressible to lower said second mentionedarm for contact between said reproducing point and said surface forreproduction.

12. A reproducing apparatus comprising a base, a template having aplurality of contiguous zones and mounted in a fixed relation with saidbase, a pantograph including a fixed bearing on said base, linkagemechanism supported on said bearing and extending therefrom, a tracingmember carried by said linkage mechanism and movable over said template,said tracing member having separate means for acting in each of saidzones, and a reproducing point for making a copy from a selected zone ona surface.

THEODORE J. SMULSKI.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 2,035,099. March 24, 1936.

THEODORE J. SMULSKI.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specificationof the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 5,second column, line 44, for "point" read member; page 4, first column,line 57, claim '7, strike out the Word "second"; and line 68, claim 8,strike out the word "sidewise"; and that the said Letters 1Patent shouldbe read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to therecord of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 5th day ef May, A. D` 1936.

Leslie Frazer l (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

